Flint is joining a growing list of communities that have created an environment that is safe and inviting for runners and walkers. Among the Runner Friendly Communities announced for 2015 are Lakeland, Florida; Detroit, Michigan and Flint, Michigan. The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) awards this designation to communities that have shown they have an infrastructure that can foster physical activity in a safe environment; they have a proven track record that organizations and businesses work together to promote running and walking as a healthy exercise and sport, and most importantly, there are positive relationships between the running community and local government.

Is the once thriving Vehicle City becoming a booming town recognized for its top-notch colleges and universities? Students can often be seen bustling around Downtown Flint, eating at local restaurants, and talking with their friends at coffee shops and their favorite hangouts. With the ever-growing presence of the young and ambitious college crowd, what effect does the increasing number of students have on our economy? How involved are the educational institutions in our community? In a three-part series, My City Magazine will examine this trend and look at just how colleges are affecting the revitalization of the Greater Flint area.

This month, the Flint Farmers’ Market celebrates the first anniversary of its move to the Downtown location and it’s been a booming success since the day it opened. “The market has become the hub of Downtown,” says Sean Gartland, Market Co-Manager along with Karianne Martus. “We’ve pretty much doubled our outside vendors.” Sean and Karianne sat down with My City Magazine to reflect on the growth and challenges of the last year. “It’s been overwhelmingly good,” says Karianne, but there has also been a learning curve. “Bigger spot, bigger problems, but also bigger successes,” she laughs.

On Thursday, May 28 the Atherton East Public Art Parade brought flowers, food and music to the Atherton East neighborhood. The Flint Public Art Project’s second parade of the season was led by the Nightfire Drumline, beginning at Atherton East Community Center and concluding at the Atherton Community Garden designed and planted by Flint artist Jay Rowland and other community members. Participants enjoyed food provided by Sweet Peaces Vegan Café and freshly sourced greens from Flint River Farm. A performance by Mama Sol & Tha N.U.T.S. created a fun and positive vibe. Every summer,  Flint Public Art Project hosts six art parades in different Flint neighborhoods, helping to beautify the areas and unite the residents.

There’s still time to head Downtown to the Farmers’ Market Relay for Life of Flint event! Going on until 3pm today! Welcoming businesses, organizations, family & friends to raise awareness & funds in the fight against cancer. Stop out & take a lap!

Head Downtown to the former Salem Housing (near the corner of MLK & Pasadena) and check out Edible Flint’s Distribution Day Community Celebration! Gardening tips, demonstrations, music & more!

Sloan Museum is joining the worldwide community of museums to celebrate International Museum Day on Monday, May 18th, 2015.

My City Magazine caught up with Flint Police Chief James Tolbert on Tuesday in honor of National Police Week. He had some appreciative things to say about how people in the city are coming together to improve Flint.

Hundreds of Blueberry Ambassadors all wearing their “I’m Concerned About The Blueberries” T-shirts as well as parents teachers, principals and superintendents attended the annual awards ceremony today at the Flint Farmers’ Market. The event included the announcement of three awards:

On April 22, Zonta Club of Flint 1 was proud to host its Sixth Annual Awards Dinner at the Flint Institute of Arts. The event is held to recognize the accomplishments of Genesee County women who have made a difference and changed the history of Genesee County.